Stress granules ease the way for cancer metastasis
Cancer cells with high stress granule levels are more likely to metastasize. Removing YB-1 reduces stress granule formation and decreases metastatic spread in animal models.
Metastasis
Articles tagged with Metastasis
Microenvironment provides growth factor for metastasis
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have identified a new role for VEGFA in the metastasis of neuroblastoma. The study found that an increase in bone deposition occurs when NB cells metastasize to the bone, driven by VEGFA, leading to increased bone resorption and severe bone loss.
Hippo 'crosstalk' may be vital to tumor suppression
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered a vital connection between the Hippo pathway and glucose metabolism, which can be manipulated to regulate tumor growth. The study found that regulating blood sugar levels impacts the nutrient source of tumors, ultimately leading to cancer suppression.
Review article provides new insights on how tumors metastasize
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine shed new light on tumor metastasis, proposing a hypothesis that reversible epigenetic events regulate different types of metastatic cancers. Epigenetics enables cancer progenitor cells to differentiate into metastatic tumors.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 2015
In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screen sheds light on cancer metastasis and tumor evolution
A genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 screen in a mouse model of non-small cell lung cancer reveals genes involved in tumor evolution and metastasis. The study highlights well-known tumor suppressor genes and identifies several microRNAs that promote tumor growth.
Promising new strategy to halt pancreatic cancer metastasis
Researchers found that a secreted immune protein called interleukin(IL)-17B promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Treating tumor-bearing mice with an IL-17B inhibitor halted tumor growth and spread, resulting in increased survival.
Breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells metastasize
Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital have discovered a new mechanism driving cancer cell metastasis, focusing attention on the biological role of DENND2B protein. The study highlights Rab13 as an enzyme promoting cell migration in cancer cells.
Insect and mammal ovulation more alike than not?
A study found that both fruit flies and mice exhibit similar cellular and genetic features during ovulation, including the degradation of follicle cells and the role of Matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp) enzymes. These similarities suggest a conserved basic mechanism in ovulation across animals.
Lack of RNA 'editing' leads to melanoma growth and metastasis
A study by Menashe Bar-Eli and colleagues found that a lack of RNA editing contributes to melanoma tumor growth and metastasis by manipulating proteins. The researchers identified a previously unknown target for CREB, a transcription factor involved in melanoma development.
New research shows possibility of cure for HPV positive throat cancer patients
Researchers found that certain HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer patients can survive for over two years without further disease after intensive treatment. The study identified key factors contributing to the survival advantage, including cancer sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
New screening tool could speed development of ovarian cancer drugs
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have created a new screening tool for ovarian cancer that can rapidly test compounds to block metastasis. The three-dimensional cell-culture system mimics human tissue and has identified small molecules that inhibit adhesion and invasion.
'Jekyll and Hyde'protein both prevents and spreads cancer
A new study explains how a protein that suppresses tumors can also promote metastasis in breast cancer cells. Researchers found that 14-3-3 zeta destabilizes key proteins p53 and GLi2, switching off TGF-β's tumor-suppressing abilities while promoting cancer spread.
Cancer's ability to 'hijack' regulatory mechanism increases metastasis
Researchers found that collagen cross-links play a crucial role in regulating stromal stiffness and determining tumor cell metastatic fate. The study identified two types of collagen cross-links, HLCC and LCC, which are associated with different levels of tumor growth and spread.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 9, 2015
Crucial role of breast cancer tumor suppressor revealed
Researchers discovered that cells with low levels of profilin 1 protein in breast tumors have increased capacity to metastasize and invade other tissues. The protein regulates the formation of invasive structures called invadopodia, which play a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 4, 2015
Weissman and Massagué win Charles Rodolphe Brupbacher Prize for Cancer Research
Researchers Weissman and Massagué win prestigious prize for their groundbreaking work on cancer stem cells and metastatic spread. Their research aims to develop targeted treatments by understanding the connection between cancer stem cells and immune system control.
New potential therapeutic strategy against a very aggressive infant bone cancer
Researchers suggest inhibition of Sirtuin1 protein as a future treatment option for metastatic Ewing sarcoma. The study found overexpression of sirtuin 1 significantly correlated with metastasis in patient samples, opening the door to treatment of aggressive tumors.
Moffitt researchers discover protein pathway involved in lung cancer metastasis
Moffitt researchers identify a key protein pathway involved in the spread of lung cancer, including beta-arrestin-1 and E2F1. Blocking this pathway may offer new therapeutic strategies to combat lung cancer metastasis.
How cancer turns good cells to the dark side
A new study by Rice University researchers shows how cancer cells use 'jagged' proteins to hijack cell-signaling process and promote metastasis. The mechanism plays a crucial role in embryonic development and wound healing.
Key factor discovered in the formation of metastases in melanoma
A team of researchers identified a key epigenetic factor EZH2 that plays a central role in controlling tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma. The study found that suppressing EZH2 activity can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
Stopping cancer in its tracks
A team led by Dr. Andrew Craig is developing inhibitory antibodies targeting key signals that cancer cells require for metastasis. The goal is to identify lead antibodies and test their potency in pre-clinical models to develop new immunotherapies for clinical trials.
MD Anderson study finds patients with metastatic colorectal cancer having less surgery
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer are experiencing a decrease in primary tumor resection rates. Despite this decrease, overall survival rates for these patients have improved, indicating potential overutilization of surgery in certain patient populations.
Breast cancer diagnoses, survival varies by race, ethnicity
A study of nearly 375,000 US women with invasive breast cancer found that racial and ethnic groups had different rates of early-stage diagnosis and survival. Biological factors, such as tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential, played a significant role in determining stage at diagnosis.
Lung cancer metastases may travel through airways to adjacent or distant lung tissue
A new study supports the hypothesis that lung cancer can travel through airways to adjacent lung tissue. This finding has significant implications for diagnosis and management of primary lung adenocarcinoma.
Suppressing a protein reduces cancer spread in mice
Researchers found that decreasing CHI3L1 levels slows the spread of two different kinds of cancer to the lungs of mice. This suggests addressing dysregulation is key in fighting metastasis and may lead to new treatments, such as preventing or delaying cancer spread after surgery.
Study shows how breast cancer cells break free to spread in the body
Breast cancer cells can spread throughout the body when they overexpress the gene SNAIL, which helps them break free from the primary tumor and become more mobile. This unique blend of microarray analysis and characterization of physical changes in breast cancer cells could aid the search for ways to block or slow metastasis.
Pathway that degrades holiday turkey fuels metastasis of triple negative breast cancer
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals that triple-negative breast cancer cells process tryptophan to promote survival while detached, allowing them to metastasize. The kynurenine pathway, specifically the enzyme TDO2, plays a key role in degrading tryptophan and evading anoikis.
Narrow subset of cells is responsible for metastasis in multiple myeloma, study finds
A study at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a narrow subset of myeloma cells is responsible for metastasis. The researchers identified 11 genes with functional roles in metastasis and proposed these as potential targets for therapies.
Tumor microenvironment of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with a complex tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), leading to carcinogenic progression. Targeted therapies targeting the microenvironment offer promise for treating this disease.
HIV drug blocks bone metastases in prostate cancer
Researchers have found that blocking the CCR5 receptor with an HIV drug can significantly reduce metastasis to the bone in prostate cancer. This breakthrough suggests a potential new treatment approach for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
New insights into breast cancer spread could yield better tests and treatments
Researchers have found that specific cells are required for the spread of breast cancer, which could lead to new anti-cancer therapies and improve predictive tests. The study combined tumor cells from patients with breast cancer with laboratory models and found a correlation between high MenaINV levels and metastasis.
High-dose interleukin-2 effective in mRCC pre-treated with VEGF-targeted therapies
Researchers found high-dose interleukin-2 to be effective in metastatic renal cell cancer patients pre-treated with VEGF-targeted agents, achieving durable complete responses in a selected population. The therapy's efficacy and safety were confirmed, offering an alternative treatment option for carefully selected patients.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors may work in brain cancers
Research shows that brain metastases have dense concentrations of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, providing an immunoactive environment. High expression of PDL1 is common in both glioblastoma and brain metastases, making immune checkpoint inhibitors a promising treatment option.
Power behind 'master' gene for cancer discovered
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a protein complex called CSN and its subunit CSN6 as a key factor in cancer development. The study found that inhibiting CSN6 can quickly destabilize the master cancer gene Myc, greatly impairing tumor growth and metastasis.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2014
Anti-leukemia drug may also work against ovarian cancer
Researchers found that cirmtuzumab induces senescence in cancer stem cells, degrading their ability to grow and metastasize. Ovarian cancer patients with high levels of ROR1 experienced more aggressive forms of the disease, highlighting the potential of this antibody therapy as a targeted treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014
Scientists develop scoring scheme that predicts ability of cancer cells to spread
Researchers at NUS and their collaborators developed a novel scoring scheme that predicts the ability of cancer cells to spread. The system monitors epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism, a key process in metastasis, and has shown good correlation with previously published EMT signatures.
Migration negation
Researchers identified a cellular culprit in metastasis, finding that an overabundance of Frizzled-2 and its activator Wnt5 triggers EMT in cancer cells. This discovery informs the design of new treatments to prevent or delay metastasis.
Combination treatment for metastatic melanoma results in longer overall survival
A phase 2 clinical trial found that adding sargramostim to ipilimumab improved overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. The combination treatment also had lower toxicity compared to ipilimumab alone.
Decoding the emergence of metastatic cancer stem cells
Cancer cells use genetic circuits as a three-way switch to form both cancer stem cells and circulating tumor cells, leading to metastasis. Researchers found significant correspondence between the operation of these two switches, suggesting a mechanism that would confer 'stemness' on hybrid cancer cells.
Viewing cancer on the move: New device yields close-up look at metastasis
A new lab device developed by Johns Hopkins engineers provides a clear view of how tumor cells spread through the body, causing over 90% of cancer-related deaths. By studying the movement of individual cancer cells, researchers aim to uncover new ways to keep cancer in check and develop effective treatment strategies.
A switch to dampen malignancy
Ludwig researchers find ASPP2 acts as a molecular switch to regulate EMT and MET, crucial processes in cancer progression. Poor ASPP2 expression correlates with lower patient survival rates in liver and breast tumors.
Silencing the speech gene FOXP2 causes breast cancer cells to metastasize
Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified an unexpected link between the transcription factor FOXP2 and metastatic colonization of breast cancer. Silencing FOXP2 enables breast cancer cells to acquire malignant traits, facilitating their survival and proliferation.
How metastases develop in the liver
Researchers discovered that high levels of the inhibitor TIMP-1 induce local inflammation in liver tissue, allowing tumor cells to form metastases. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can develop new treatments to prevent cancer progression and metastasis formation.
UCI stem cell scientist wins coveted NIH New Innovator Award
Weian Zhao, a UCI stem cell scientist, has been awarded the prestigious NIH New Innovator Award to create stem cell-based detection methods for cancer. His project aims to engineer smart stem cell systems to target cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.
Basel scientists are bringing cells on the fast track
Researchers created a novel method for cell migration by mimicking the connective tissue environment, allowing cells to move in a controlled direction. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches in combating cancer metastasis and inflammation.
Osteoporosis treatment may also benefit breast cancer patients
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute finds that osteoporosis treatment may also benefit breast cancer patients by slowing skeletal metastasis. Women who took oral bisphosphonates had a reduced risk of bone metastases, with longer medication use resulting in greater reduction.
SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 2, 2014
Pertuzumab adds 16 months survival benefit to trastuzumab and chemo treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer
The CLEOPATRA study demonstrated a significant survival benefit of 15.7 months with the combination therapy, outperforming previous studies. The long-term safety profile and cardiac safety were also maintained.
Novel compound prevents metastasis of multiple myeloma in mouse studies
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a novel compound that impedes the spread of multiple myeloma to bones in mice. By targeting the microenvironment, the compound alters the bone marrow environment, making it less hospitable to cancer cells, and slows disease progression and prolongs survival.
Wound healing response promotes breast cancer metastasis in postpartum mice
A study found that postpartum mice develop metastatic disease due to dying tumor cells triggering anti-inflammatory cytokines that promote wound healing. Mice lacking a receptor for macrophage clearance of dying cells did not develop metastasis, highlighting potential targets for limiting postpartum breast cancer severity.
Massachusetts General study reveals gene expression patterns in pancreatic CTCs
A Massachusetts General Hospital study analyzed circulating tumor cells and found increased expression of extracellular matrix genes, which could be a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. The study also identified distinct classes of pancreatic CTCs with unique gene expression patterns.
Stanford researchers create 'evolved' protein that may stop cancer from spreading
A team of Stanford researchers has developed a protein therapy that disrupts the process of metastasis, which causes cancer cells to break away and spread. The treatment uses a harmless version of Axl protein that acts like a decoy to prevent Gas6 proteins from linking with it.
Cancer cells adapt energy needs to spread illness to other organs
A new study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that cancer cells traveling to other sites have different energy needs from their original tumor site counterparts. The study suggests that targeting the protein PGC-1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer patients.
Experts issue plea for better research and education for advanced breast cancer
The European Society for Medical Oncology calls for high-quality research and clinical trials for advanced breast cancer. Key areas of focus include treatment strategies for patients with liver or lung metastases, HER2-positive disease, and men receiving aromatase inhibitors.
New non-invasive technique could revolutionize the imaging of metastatic cancer
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new molecular imaging approach that can image bone metastases from prostate cancer with greater accuracy than existing methods. The new method detects the gene AEG-1, which is expressed in most cancers but not in healthy cells.
Single fraction RT as effective as multiple fraction RT for bone metastases
A study found that single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) is equally effective as multiple fraction radiation therapy (MFRT) in improving patients' pain, function, and quality of life, including for those with excluded characteristics. The results support the generalizability of prior randomized controlled trials to real-world practice.
Select group of stage IV lung cancer patients achieve long-term survival after aggressive treatments
A meta-analysis of 757 Stage IV NSCLC patients found that factors such as timing of metastases and lymph node involvement impact overall survival. The study identified three risk groups with different five-year OS rates, and highlighted the importance of identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from aggressive treatments.
UK study identifies molecule that induces cancer-killing protein
A UK study has identified a novel molecule called Arylquin 1 that induces Par-4 secretion from normal cells, killing cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The researchers found that Arylquin 1 binds to vimentin, displacing the Par-4 for secretion and may be useful in inhibiting tumor metastasis.
Monitoring the response of bone metastases to treatment using MRI and PET
Recent EORTC Imaging Group review highlights MRI and PET's potential for early detection of bone metastases and monitoring treatment response. The study emphasizes the need to overcome current limitations, such as those related to imaging techniques' sensitivity and specificity.
SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateSep 10, 2014
Popular cancer drug target implicated in cardiovascular defects
A new study by UNC researchers led by Kathleen Caron, Ph.D., shows that deleting CXCR7 allows adrenomedullin to run rampant, triggering enlarged heart and overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. The study highlights the importance of understanding the role of CXCR7 in cardiovascular health.
UNC researchers find new genetic target for a different kind of cancer drug
Researchers found that the protein RBM4, crucial to gene splicing, is drastically decreased in multiple forms of human cancer, including lung and breast cancers. This discovery offers a new route toward therapies targeting altered genetic pathways that allow cancer cells to proliferate and spread.
Enzyme controlling metastasis of breast cancer identified
Scientists at UC San Diego have identified the UBC13 enzyme as a key regulator of breast cancer metastasis, allowing them to potentially block the spread of the disease. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme may prevent metastasis in breast cancer cells.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2014